by Carrie Elliot, MA, CCC-SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist): NWACS Board Member

Aided language input. 

Aided language stimulation.

Aided language modeling.

Partner augmented input.

Modeling. 

Confused? I am. 

Aided language input, aided language stimulation, aided language modeling, partner augmented input, modeling: all names for the same thing. (Do you have another name you use for this? Please share it in the comments!) The strategy generally means that when a new AAC system is introduced, communication partners (parents, caregivers, teachers, siblings, peers) need to communicate with the user using the new AAC. 

One example of this strategy might look something like the following. Imagine a parent reading a book with their child. In this scenario, the child is using a new AAC system - let’s say an iPad with the app TouchChat HD with Word Power. Let’s say the vocabulary file is Word Power 60 Basic. In this ideal scenario, the parent would have their own iPad with the exact same language app and file. Two identical systems. As the parent and child read the book together, the parent focuses on using the AAC system to supplement their verbal speech. Essentially, the parent reads the book with the child but adds on the use of key words (core vocabulary!) on the iPad. The only change in the way that the parent and the child are reading together is the addition of buttons (words) activated on the parent’s iPad. 

What has been shown again and again in practice and in research is that the communication partners’ use of the system with the user is the key to success. The more a user can observe their communication partners functionally and organically communicating using the new AAC, the faster they can learn the messages and the modality. It’s a fantastic strategy, and it works. However, from researchers to AT specialists to speech pathologists, we are all inconsistent with what we actually call it. 

Dear AAC World: Do you see this problem?

When we use many names for the same thing, we are creating inconsistency. We are creating confusion. One name would decrease inconsistency. Consistency increases clarity. The last time I checked, speech pathologists and assistive technology specialists are trying to make communication easier and more functional for everyone. Our practices are literally making it more difficult. As a field, we need to be doing everything we can to reduce the burden on users of AAC and their communication partners. We are not achieving our goal. We can do better. We need to do better. 

Dear AAC World: Can we please just agree on one name? 

I am so passionate about AAC because I believe that communication is a human right. I value the opportunity to provide and elevate the voices of individuals who need AAC. To me, the field of AT (and AAC) is so practical. It’s concrete. We paint the picture of the current access or communication issue. We look at our toolbox of solutions. We choose one. We help the team use the tool and make it successful.  We are problem solvers. We remove barriers, we don’t create them. The current inconsistency for the name of our best, most evidence-based strategy is creating a barrier for users of AAC.  

Dear AAC World: Can we make it simple?  

Not only does inconsistency breed confusion, so do the existing names themselves. If we have to spend so many minutes explaining the strategy, are we just creating another barrier for effective implementation? “Aided Language Input” is a mouthful. “Aided Language Stimulation” feels like it means nothing. Can we reduce the barrier of speaking in jargon for our users and their families and caregivers?  

What about a new word altogether? Something that makes sense, something that doesn’t take ten minutes to explain. I propose a new term for our beloved strategy: Interactive Modeling. This means that a communication partner needs to interact with the user and model communication using the new system. Boom. Done. The key features of the actions that need to be taken are in the name of the strategy. 

So let’s be consistent, let’s be clear, and let’s keep it simple. Who’s with me?